Overall unemployment rate moved down to 5.4% with the biggest shift in Government, which lost 2,600 roles, based on the most recently available information published in August 2022.

Total employment in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR market rose by 1,889 jobs in July and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 10 bps to 5.4%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 5 bps over the same time to 3.8%.

  • Memphis, TN-MS-AR unemployment rate is 162 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 170 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in July versus prior month by 6.3% and are up compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Memphis, TN-MS-AR Unemployment July 2022

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.2% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 189,700; +800
  • Business Services: 98,300; -700
  • Education & Healthcare: 94,500; +1,300
  • Government: 80,300; -2,600
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 69,900; +2,300
  • Manufacturing: 44,000; -200
  • Financial Services: 29,300; +500
  • Other Jobs: 28,000; +200
  • Construction, Mining: 26,300; -400
  • IT & Development: 5,400; no change
Memphis, TN-MS-AR Unemployment by Industry July 2022

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through July 2022 (Data published August 2022 and reports created on September 2, 2022).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.